Redshirt sophomore George Bryan played a large role on last year's team, but that was not the plan. Then senior Anthony Hill and current fifth-year senior Matt Kushner were supposed to lead the way, and the rookie Bryan was to be brought on slowly.

That changed in a hurry however. Hill strained a pectoral muscle in the season opener against South Carolina, and Kushner suffered a knee injury in week two against William & Mary that would require surgery and cost him the year. Bryan was now the main guy at tight end.